- Emerging ‘creator’s economy’ is pivotal for enhancing India’s soft power: Shri Sanjay Jaju
- MIB set to roll out digital FM radio broadcasting in 13 metros and major cities soon
New Delhi, December 2024: India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), in collaboration with the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI), organized a landmark industry conference on the “Future of Digital Radio Broadcasting in India” on Wednesday. The pivotal event brought together leaders and visionaries from the entire radio broadcasting ecosystem – including radio operators, equipment manufacturers, technology providers, and device manufacturers – to discuss the transformation of India’s radio broadcasting landscape as it embarks on the digital journey.
The conference was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and Shri Sanjiv Shankar, Joint Secretary, MIB. Their participation underscored the government’s commitment to advancing digital radio technology and its integration into India’s media ecosystem.
This initiative arrives at a crucial juncture as the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) engage in public consultations for a Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for private broadcasters.
Addressing the conference, Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said: “We stand at the threshold of a new era brimming with possibilities and opportunities in broadcasting. Light-touch regulations will enable innovative content creation and deeper listener engagement, empowering India’s creators. Radio derives its strength from localised content choice embracing diverse community interests and cultural preferences.”
“Technology adoption, even in far-flung areas, must happen while developing an ecosystem to facilitate deployment of digital radio broadcasting in India. As part of our efforts, we are set to roll out digital FM radio broadcasting in 13 metros and major cities in the coming months, marking a significant step forward,” Shri Jaju added.
Highlighting the significance of digital radio, Mr. Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA, said, “Radio has been a revolutionary force in connecting people and communities, and it remains an incredible national asset. The transition to digital radio is not just essential—it is overdue. We need to adopt a technology which is proven and can go across various product segments, enhancing the efficiency of the existing radio operators without disruption. With India’s rich cultural landscape, the digital radio technology offers unparalleled opportunities for innovation, multilingual content, and varied genres tailored to India’s diverse demography.”
Mr. Uday Chawla, Secretary General, AROI, said: “Today’s interaction marks a historic milestone, bringing together two transformative industries – radio, with its unparalleled reach of nearly 80% and status as a free-to-air medium, and the electronics manufacturing sector, which has positioned India as a global export leader. By fostering collaboration, we empower consumers with choices and create a solid foundation for the growth of both sectors. Developing an advanced ecosystem, supported by technologies like HD Radio, strengthens India’s vision as a global manufacturing hub for digitally-enabled devices, boosting exports, especially in markets like the Americas. This synergy drives innovation and growth across industries.”
One of the major advancements discussed at the conference was HD Radio technology, developed by Xperi Corporation. HD Radio has emerged as a leading global digital radio platform, with more than 2,500 radio stations, offering superior audio quality, multicasting capabilities, and proven market success with commercial rollouts. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize India’s radio broadcasting industry by providing enhanced user experiences and new revenue models for broadcasters.
The conference concluded with a strong consensus among industry leaders on the need to fast-track the adoption of digital radio. The discussions emphasized the immense potential of digital radio broadcasting to enhance accessibility, diversify content offerings, and support India’s vision for a technologically advanced and inclusive media ecosystem.
ICEA and AROI reaffirm their commitment to working closely with the government, broadcasters, and technology providers to ensure a smooth transition to digital radio and harness its full potential for the benefit of the nation.